Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, told visiting Burundi President Pierre Buyoya that even though China and Burundi are far apart, in Asia and Africa, the two countries have a long-term friendship with fruitful cooperation in many fields.

Li made the remarks while meeting with Buyoya here this morning at the Great Hall of the People.

Li said that cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, health, and educational fields have been developing soundly.

In the international arena, the two countries continue to sympathize with one another and cooperate closely, Li said.

Moreover, he expressed appreciation for the Burundi government' s efforts to develop ties with China and adherence to the One China position.

On the relationship with Burundi, Li said China attaches importance to its ties with Burundi and hopes to make mutual efforts to further China-Burundi ties.

Buyoya told Li that this is his fourth visit to China, and expressed admiration for the achievements scored by China.

Buyoya said that since his country has come out of a period of turmoil, the Burundi government is making every effort to restore peace and realize national reconciliation, toward which end marked progress has been achieved.

The Chinese government and people have offered their sympathy and support to Burundi, the Burundi president said, adding that these efforts make the Burundi people wholeheartedly feel sincere friendship from the Chinese people.

Li said that stability is the prerequisite for pushing forward all causes. "Without stability, no cause can be developed. That is the experience we gained during the past 20 years of reform and opening-up," he noted.

Also, there is no doubt that political reform should be deepened and democracy, liberty, and human rights should be continuously pushed forward, he said.

"All this can only be done based on reality, in particular, by maintaining overall stability," he pointed out.

"Otherwise, given a situation of turmoil, nothing can be done, much less the realization of democracy, liberty and human rights," he said, adding that "we have profound experience in this regard."

Li expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Burundi government and people to realize domestic stability, promote national reconciliation, and develop their economy.

As a country friendly to Burundi, China sincerely hopes all political fractions in Burundi will proceed from the fundamental interests of the nation and the people, and abandon ethnic and tribal hatred in order to resolve differences through dialogue and restore peace and stability promptly.

Buyoya agreed with Li's opinion, saying his delegation had an in-depth exchange of views during the visit and reached wide consensus. "My visit is crowned with success," he told Li.